Accelerate Your Mission from the World's Premier Aid Hub
Join the world's largest non-profit humanitarian free zone, a strategic ecosystem designed to facilitate rapid global crisis response for UN agencies, NGOs, and commercial suppliers.
Established
2003
Members
80+
Status
Non-Profit Hub
Focus
Global Humanitarian Aid
Reach
Global Response Nexus
The Epicenter of Global Humanitarian Response
Established in 2003 by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, International Humanitarian City (IHC) is the world's only non-profit, independent humanitarian hub. It provides a unique, mission-driven platform in Dubai for UN agencies, NGOs, and commercial partners to prepare for and respond to global crises with unparalleled speed and efficiency.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Governing Body
- Board Chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein
- Primary Focus
- Humanitarian Aid, Logistics, and Crisis Response
- Investor Profile
- UN Agencies, NGOs, Commercial Relief Suppliers
- Ownership Structure
- 100% Foreign Ownership Permitted
- Tax Regime
- 0% Corporate and Personal Income Tax
- VAT Status
- VAT Designated Zone for Physical Goods
A Strategic Platform Built for Global Impact
IHC offers a unique combination of financial incentives and purpose-built infrastructure designed to amplify the effectiveness of your humanitarian mission.
Complete Organisational Control
Secure your mission's future with 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local partner and ensuring full operational autonomy.
Zero Tax Burden
Maximize your operational funding with 0% corporate and personal income tax, plus full, unrestricted repatriation of capital and profits.
Purpose-Built Logistics
Leverage state-of-the-art warehouses and specialized support services, strategically located in Dubai for rapid deployment across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Unrivalled Ecosystem
Join a unique collaborative community of UN agencies, NGOs, and suppliers, fostering partnerships that accelerate crisis response and innovation.
Streamlined Administration
Expedite your setup and operations with a one-stop-shop for all government services, including licensing, visas, and administrative support.
Invest in Your Mission's Global Reach
As the world's only non-profit humanitarian hub, IHC costs are determined through a consultative process, tailored to the unique scale and nature of your organization.
Custom Membership Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Tailored Facility & License Options
- Consultative Cost Structuring
- Tailored Facility & License Options
- Access to the IHC Ecosystem
AED Pricing
Invest in Your Mission's Global Reach
As the world's only non-profit humanitarian hub, IHC costs are determined through a consultative process, tailored to the unique scale and nature of your organization.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Licensing for Every Humanitarian Role
IHC provides focused license options tailored to the specific needs of organizations within the humanitarian and development sector.
Commercial License
Professional Services License
Permitted Activities for a Focused Mission
Our curated list of activities ensures a relevant and synergistic community, dedicated exclusively to humanitarian and development work.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Humanitarian Logistics | Logistics & Freight |
| Warehouse Management and Handling | Logistics & Freight |
| Air Cargo Services | Logistics & Freight |
| Humanitarian Aid Material (Food & Non-Food Items) | Commercial & Trading |
| Emergency Assistance Services | Commercial & Trading |
| Therapeutic Appliances and Equipment Trading | Commercial & Trading |
| Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Trading | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Health Services Provision | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Emergency Medical Support | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Humanitarian Technology Development | Technology & Innovation |
| Humanitarian Innovation | Technology & Innovation |
| IT Infrastructure for Aid Organizations | Technology & Innovation |
| Management Consultancies | Professional Services |
| Legal Consultancy for NGOs | Professional Services |
| Marketing and Events for Aid Sector | Professional Services |
Showing 1 to 15 of 18
Designed for the World's Leading Aid Organizations
The Global NGO Director
Establish a strategic operational hub in a location that serves as a nexus for Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, enabling rapid and effective disaster response.
Primary Benefit
Eliminate critical logistical bottlenecks during global crises.
The UN Agency Logistics Chief
Utilize state-of-the-art warehouses and streamlined services within a VAT Designated Zone to manage a tax-efficient regional supply chain for relief supplies.
Primary Benefit
Purpose-built infrastructure for high-stakes humanitarian logistics.
The Commercial Relief Supplier
Gain direct proximity to the world's largest buyers of humanitarian aid by co-locating with UN agencies and NGOs in a 0% tax environment.
Primary Benefit
Unparalleled access to your target market in the humanitarian sector.
The Humanitarian Tech Innovator
Leverage the IHC ecosystem as the ultimate testbed, collaborating directly with end-users to pilot, refine, and scale new technologies for the aid sector.
Primary Benefit
Accelerate adoption of your solutions within the humanitarian community.
IHC vs. Commercial Logistics Hubs
While other free zones offer world-class logistics, IHC provides an unmatched, mission-driven ecosystem.
| Feature Highlight | International Humanitarian City | Dubai South (Logistics) | Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Humanitarian Aid & Development | General Logistics & Aviation | General Trade & Logistics |
| Key USP | Collaborative UN & NGO Ecosystem | Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport | Proximity to Jebel Ali Port |
| Investor Profile | Aid Agencies, NGOs, Relief Suppliers | Freight Forwarders, 3PLs, E-commerce | Traders, Manufacturers, Logistics |
| Network Effect | High (Synergies with aid community) | Medium (Logistics sector focus) | Low (Broad commercial focus) |
| Available Activities | Specialized & Curated | Broad Logistics & Commercial | Very Broad Trade & Industrial |
This comparison highlights strategic differences. For detailed feature and cost analysis, direct consultation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join the Global Mission to Deliver Aid Faster
Establish your presence at the heart of the world's humanitarian response network. Contact our advisors today to learn how IHC can amplify your impact.
- Confidential, no-obligation consultation
- Guidance from a dedicated IHC advisor
- Join a community of 80+ leading aid organizations